MUHLENBERG COUNTY, Ky. (3/12/14) – The 2nd Annual MCHS-Uncle Lee's High School Fishing Classic is set for Saturday, March 15 at Lake Malone State Park.

Mustang Bass Fishing Coach Cody Napier told SurfKY News the team greatly appreciates the help of Uncle Lee's in supporting the Mustang Fishing Team, which depends largely on funds and assistance from area supporters.

"We are happy to have Uncle Lee's helping out," Napier said. "Much like last week's competition, they will be supplying us with five $20 gift cards as prizes for First Place, Second Place and for the biggest fish caught."

Napier noted that preregistration is going well, with an increase over the number of participants who signed up for last year's event.

"Right now we have about 15 boats signed up, which is much better than last year," Napier said. "We're growing little by little (and) the weather should be much better than last weekend. The colder water was one thing that hurt us in last week's tournament at Lake Beshear. The combination of 3 to 4 inches of snow and ice, along with the low temperatures for so long, has really been rough on the team. The conditions have made it tough to catch fish. With a water temperature of 43 degrees, they just don't bite. Usually during this time of year the water temperature is at least 50 degrees, and that makes a big difference when it comes to catching fish."

Napier said the team is ready to get out on the water for practice this week.

"The team is really excited, especially with what looks like will be perfect fishing conditions," Napier said.

Check in time for competitors is 5:30 a.m., with competition starting at 7 a.m., and all fishermen should be back at the dock by 2 p.m.

The Mustang Bass Fishing Team will be back on the water Saturday, March 22 at Lake Beshear for an Ultimate Match Fishing type of competition, based on the hit show on the Outdoor Channel, according to Napier.

"You might say our team will be practicing and having fun at the same time," Napier said. "Each fishing team will compete with two mean in each boat. One person will start at the front of the boat, then each pair will switch back and forth from the front to the back. We did it last year and the team had a great time."

Regional high school bass fishing team competition begins April 5 at Lake Barkley.

"If we make it to the state competition, that will be April 25 and 26 at Kentucky Lake," Napier said. "We have had a short season, and with all of this cold weather is has made the season even shorter," Napier said.